Methods, Systems, And Computer Program Products For Managing Electronic Subscriptions

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronic subscriptions are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes monitoring, at an electronic subscription client, receipt of one or more subscription messages associated with an electronic subscription. Interaction with the electronic subscription client by a client may be monitored to determine a viewing frequency of the one or more received subscription messages. Further, a prompt with a control configured for unsubscribing the user from receiving a future subscription message associated with the electronic subscription may be presented based on the determined viewing frequency.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/497,819, titled “Methods, Systems, And Computer Program Products ForManaging Electronic Subscriptions,” filed Aug. 2, 2006, which iscommonly owned with this application, the entire disclosure of which ishere incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates to electronic subscriptions.More particularly, the subject matter described herein relates tomethods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronicsubscriptions.

BACKGROUND

An electronic subscription is a service by which a user receives contentof interest to the user, such as news, technical information, or sportsinformation, via an electronic device. The electronic device subscribingto an electronic subscription may include an electronic subscriptionclient for managing received subscription messages. The subscriptionmessages may be provided by an electronic subscription message source.The electronic subscription message source may store information about aclient, such as a client's name and address. Further, the electronicsubscription message source may generate subscription messagescontaining information content, such as news and weather, and mediacontent, such as music, television shows, and movies. Exemplarysubscription messages include e-mail messages, real simple syndication(RSS) messages, and podcasts.

One problem with electronic subscriptions is that a user may receivemany subscription messages that are never opened or read by the user.For example, the user may subscribe to more electronic content than theuser has time to read. The user may delete the unread or unopenedsubscription messages. Alternatively, the user may allow the unread orunopened subscription message to be stored on an electronic device.Thus, over time, unread or unopened subscription messages can consume asignificant portion of the memory of electronic device. Further, when asignificant amount of the subscription messages are acquired, thesubscription messages can result in a disorganized user interface withthe electronic device. It would be beneficial to provide for themanagement of electronic subscriptions to reduce the receipt and storageof messages that are not opened, read, or otherwise used by a user.

Further, when a user is subscribed to several electronic subscriptionservices, subscription messages received from the electronicsubscriptions may contain redundant content. As a result, a user mayaccess subscription messages having the same content or substantiallysimilar content. The user may either read the redundant or cumulativecontent twice or may ignore the redundant or cumulative content. Eitherresult is undesirable. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to providefor management of electronic subscriptions that addresses redundant orcumulative content.

Another problem associated with electronic subscriptions occurs when auser subscribes to a subscription that the user has previously canceled.At the time of the second subscription, the user may not remember thathe has previously canceled the original subscription, for example,because the user learned that the content was not interesting. If theuser is allowed, without notification, to subscribe to the uninterestingcontent the second time, the user may receive the uninteresting content,later learn that the content is not interesting, and then may berequired to cancel the subscription again. This process is inefficientfrom the standpoint of the user and utilization of the electronic deviceused to receive the electronic content. It would be beneficial toprovide for management of electronic subscriptions that addresses theseproblems associated with previously canceled subscriptions.

Accordingly, in light of the above described difficulties and needsassociated with electronic subscriptions, there exists a need forimproved methods, systems, and computer program products for managingelectronic subscriptions.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includesmethods, systems, and computer program products for managing electronicsubscriptions. One method includes monitoring, at an electronicsubscription client, receipt of one or more subscription messagesassociated with an electronic subscription. Interaction with theelectronic subscription client by a user is monitored to determine aviewing frequency of the received subscription messages. Based on thedetermined viewing frequency, a prompt is presented with a controlconfigured for unsubscribing the user from receiving a futuresubscription message associated with the electronic subscription.

According to another aspect, one method includes monitoring, at anelectronic subscription client, receipt of a subscription messageassociated with an electronic subscription. It is determined whether thereceived subscription message is redundant based on at least one of anidentifier for the subscription message or content included in thesubscription message. Based on the redundancy determination, a prompt ispresented with a control configured for unsubscribing a user fromreceiving a future subscription message associated with the electronicsubscription.

According to yet another aspect, one method includes saving, at anelectronic subscription client, a subscription identifier for anunsubscribed-from electronic subscription. Input is received thatcorresponds to the subscription identifier for subscribing to theunsubscribed-from electronic subscription. An indication that theelectronic subscription has been previously unsubscribed-from ispresented.

As used herein, the term “electronic subscription” refers to a servicein which an electronic content source provides content to a subscribervia an electronic device. For example, a content source may be anorganization such as the Wall Street Journal or Security Focus. In thisexample, the organization may communicate e-mail subscription messagesto the subscriber's computer or mobile phone over the Internet.Exemplary content delivered via an electronic subscription may includenewsletter e-mails, music files, pictures, daily horoscopes, weather,daily jokes, ring tones, television shows, movies, or any other digitalmedia or data that may be delivered electronically to a device.

As used herein, the term “electronic subscription client” refers tofunctionality for receiving and accessing subscription content. Anelectronic subscription client may reside on an electronic device, suchas a mobile phone, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a mobile gameplayer, a music player, or any combination thereof. Exemplary electronicsubscription clients include an e-mail client (e.g., MICROSOFT OUTLOOK®,EUDORA®, and LOTUS NOTES®), a web-based e-mail client (e.g., YAHOO!®mail, GOOGLE GMAIL®, and EARTHLINK® mail), a real simple syndication(RSS) reader (e.g., NEWSGATOR™ aggregator and RSS READER™), an RSSaggregator (e.g., FEEDDEMON™ RSS aggregator and NEWZIE™ RSS aggregator),a media player (e.g., RHAPSODY®, ITUNES®, and WINDOWS MEDIAPLAYER®), aphotoshare client (e.g., FLICKR™ photoshare and SNAPFISH® photoshare),and a personalized web page (e.g., MYYAHOO® web service, GOOGLE®Homepage, MYSPACE.COM® web service, and FACEBOOK™ web service).

The subject matter described herein may be implemented using a computerprogram product comprising computer executable instructions embodied ina computer-readable medium. Exemplary computer-readable media suitablefor implementing the subject matter described herein include chip memorydevices, disk memory devices, programmable logic devices, applicationspecific integrated circuits, and downloadable electrical signals. Inaddition, a computer-readable medium that implements the subject matterdescribed herein may be located on a single device or computing platformor may be distributed across multiple devices or computing platforms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the subject matter described herein will now beexplained with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for managing electronicsubscriptions according to the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for managing electronicsubscriptions according to an embodiment of the subject matter describedherein;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flow chart of an exemplary process for use by thesystem shown in FIG. 1 for managing electronic subscriptions accordingto an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for managing electronicsubscriptions according to the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for managingelectronic subscriptions according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a flow chart of an exemplary process for use by thesystem shown in FIG. 4 for managing electronic subscriptions accordingto an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for managing electronicsubscriptions according to the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an exemplary process for managing electronicsubscriptions according to an embodiment of the subject matter describedherein;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a flow chart of an exemplary process for use by thesystem shown in FIG. 7 for managing electronic subscriptions accordingto an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 10 is a computer screenshot displayed by a display of an RSSelectronic client device of an exemplary RSS feed web page forsubscribing and unsubscribing to electronic subscriptions according toan embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 11 is a computer screenshot of a window including a subscribebutton, a subscription list, and an unsubscribe icon according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 12 is a computer screenshot of a window including a list ofelectronic subscriptions according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein;

FIG. 13 is a computer screenshot of a window including an unsubscribebutton that may be selected for unsubscribing to a correspondingelectronic subscription according to an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for managingelectronic subscriptions according to the subject matter describedherein;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for use by thesystem shown in FIG. 1 for confirmation by a user of a new electronicsubscription according to an embodiment of the subject matter describedherein;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for use by thesystem shown in FIG. 4 for grouping subscription messages to determineredundancy according to an embodiment of the subject matter describedherein;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for use by thesystem shown in FIG. 1 for prompting a user to prescribe an unsubscribeaction according to an embodiment of the subject matter describedherein;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for use by thesystem shown in FIG. 1 for presenting unsubscribe action steps to a useraccording to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein; and

FIG. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for use by thesystem shown in FIG. 1 for confirming unsubscribing to an electronicsubscription and for resetting monitoring of the electronic subscriptionaccording to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, andcomputer program products for managing electronic subscriptions.According to one aspect, a system according to the subject matterdescribed herein may be implemented as hardware, software, and/orfirmware components executing on one or more components of a systemconfigured to manage and/or receive subscription messages associatedwith an electronic subscription. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of anexemplary system 100 for managing electronic subscriptions according tothe subject matter described herein. An electronic subscription messagesource 102 may be configured to generate subscription messagesassociated with one or more electronic subscriptions. Electronicsubscription message source 102 may also communicate subscriptionmessages that carry subscription content to electronic subscriptionclients associated with the electronic subscriptions. For example,electronic subscription message source 102 may communicate subscriptionmessages 104 and 106 to an electronic subscription client 108 via anetwork 110. Electronic subscription client 108 may be subscribed to theelectronic subscription and configured to receive subscription messages104 and 106 via network 110.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include means for monitoringreceipt of one or more subscription messages associated with anelectronic subscription. For example, electronic subscription client 108may include an electronic subscription message monitor 112 configured tomonitor receipt of subscription messages associated with an electronicsubscription. Electronic subscription client 108 may monitor receipt ofsubscription messages 104 and 106. Examples of subscription messagemonitoring include determining arrival of a subscription message,determining whether the subscription message is confirmation of a newsubscription, determining subscription identification information in thesubscription message, and determining information for unsubscribing toan electronic subscription.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include means for monitoringinteraction with the electronic subscription client by a user todetermine a viewing frequency of one or more received subscriptionmessages. For example, electronic subscription client 108 may include aninteraction monitor function 114 configured to monitor interaction withelectronic subscription client 108 by a user to determine a viewingfrequency of the received subscription messages. In one example,interaction monitor function 114 may determine a viewing frequency ofreceived subscription messages associated with an electronicsubscription. Interaction monitor function 114 may compare thedetermined viewing frequency of received subscription messages to aviewing frequency threshold. Further, in one example, interactionmonitor function 114 may determine a number of received subscriptionmessages and a number of received subscription messages acted upon by auser, and compare the numbers. Interaction monitor function 114 mayprovide the interaction monitoring information to an unsubscribefunction 116.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include means for presenting,based on the determined viewing frequency, a prompt with a controlconfigured for unsubscribing the user from receiving a futuresubscription message associated with the electronic subscription. Forexample, unsubscribe function 116 may be configured to present, based ona determined viewing frequency, a prompt with a control configured forunsubscribing the user from receiving future content associated with theelectronic subscription. In one example, unsubscribe function 116 may beconfigured to present a prompt with a control based on interactionmonitoring information provided by interaction monitor function 114. Thecontrol may be a graphical object that allows the user to automaticallyunsubscribe from a subscription. The information required to unsubscribemay be stored by unsubscribe function 116 at the time a subscriptionagreement is made or when the message confirming a subscription isreceived. Further, in one example, unsubscribe function 116 may beconfigured to present a prompt with a control based on comparisoninformation from interaction monitor function 114 about the determinedviewing frequency of received subscription messages to a viewingfrequency threshold. Further, in another example, unsubscribe function116 may be configured to present a prompt with a control based oncomparison information from interaction monitor function 114 about anumber of received subscription messages and a number of receivedsubscription messages acted upon by a user.

A user of electronic subscription client 108 may select the prompt foroperating the control to unsubscribe the user from receiving futuresubscription messages associated with the electronic subscription. Thecontrol can be configured to implement one or more unsubscribe actionsstored in a database 118 in response to selection of the prompt. Theunsubscribe actions can include commands and/or functionality forunsubscribing to an electronic subscription. Unsubscribe function 116may be configured to unsubscribe a user from receiving futuresubscription messages associated with an electronic subscription inresponse to receiving an input responsive to a prompt with a control forunsubscribing the user from receiving future subscription messagesassociated with the electronic subscription. The unsubscribe actionstaken by unsubscribe function 116 for unsubscribing to an electronicsubscription may be in accordance with the subject matter describedherein or any other suitable procedure known to those of skill in theart.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include an electronicsubscription database 120 configured to store information associatedwith one or more electronic subscriptions. For example, electronicsubscription database 120 may store instructions or process informationfor unsubscribing to one or more electronic subscriptions. In thisexample, a control for unsubscribing to an electronic subscription mayaccess the instructions stored in database 120 for unsubscribing to anelectronic subscription. The information associated with an electronicsubscription may be associated with the electronic subscription by anelectronic subscription identifier. Exemplary unsubscribe instructionsinclude the following: communicating a request to an electronicsubscription message source for unsubscribing; and sending a message toone of an address, a uniform resource identifier (URI), or a link forunsubscribing from an electronic subscription. Exemplary links includeweb links. Exemplary addresses include e-mail addresses.

Unsubscribe function 116 may be configured to determine instructions orprocess information for unsubscribing a user from receiving futuresubscription messages associated with an electronic subscription. Forexample, unsubscribe function 116 may identify unsubscribe informationin a message carrying subscription content or confirming a subscription.In this example, a control or process in unsubscribe actions 118 can beconfigured to unsubscribe based on the identified unsubscribeinformation, and the unsubscribe information may be stored in database120. In one example, unsubscribe function 116 may determine one of anaddress, a URI, and a link associated with the electronic subscriptionfor use in unsubscribing. In this example, a control or process inunsubscribe actions 118 can be configured to unsubscribe based on theaddress, the URI, or the link, and the address, the URI, or the link maybe stored in database 120. Further, in this example, the process forunsubscribing may include accessing a resource and sending a messageusing the address, the URI, or the link. In one example, unsubscribefunction 116 may identify text in one or more subscription messagesindicating information for unsubscribing. Examples of text associatedwith unsubscribing includes one or more of subscribe text, mailing listtext, and unsubscribe text. In another example, unsubscribe function 116may determine a URI in an RSS reading list associated with an electronicsubscription and configure a control or process to remove the URI fromthe RSS reading list.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for managingelectronic subscriptions according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein. Referring to FIG. 2, in block 200 the processprovides for monitoring, at an electronic subscription client, receiptof one or more subscription messages associated with an electronicsubscription. For example, a process associated with system 100 mayprovide for electronic subscription message monitor 112 to monitorreceipt of subscription messages 104 and 106 at electronic subscriptionclient 108. In block 202, interaction with the electronic subscriptionclient by a user may be monitored to determine a viewing frequency ofthe one or more received subscription messages. For example, interactionmonitor function 114 may be configured to monitor interaction withelectronic subscription client 108 by a user to determine a viewingfrequency of one or more received subscription messages. A viewingfrequency of the received one or more subscription messages may bedetermined using any of the techniques described above. In block 204,based on the determined viewing frequency, a prompt with a controlconfigured for unsubscribing the user from receiving a futuresubscription message associated with the electronic subscription may bepresented. For example, unsubscribe function 116 may present a promptwith a control configured to unsubscribe the user from receiving afuture subscription message associated with the electronic subscription.A user may select or otherwise activate the prompt for unsubscribingfrom receiving the future subscription message.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process foruse by system 100 shown in FIG. 1 for managing electronic subscriptionsaccording to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. FIGS.3A and 3B illustrate in more detail the process illustrated in FIG. 2for subscription management based on viewing frequency. Referring toFIG. 3A, the process may start at block 300. In block 302, electronicsubscription message monitor 112 may determine whether a newsubscription message has been received. If it is determined that a newsubscription message has not been received, the process may return toblock 300. Otherwise, if it is determined that a new subscriptionmessage has been received, it is determined whether the subscriptionmessage is a confirmation of a new electronic subscription (block 304).If it is determined that the subscription message is a confirmation of anew electronic subscription, electronic subscription message monitor 112may record and store data identifying the electronic subscription (block306). In block 308, electronic subscription message monitor 112 mayrecord and store data identifying unsubscribe information for theelectronic subscription. For example, the data identifying theelectronic subscription may be stored in electronic subscriptiondatabase 120. Examples of data identifying an electronic subscriptioninclude keywords, digits, embedded images, audio clips, and sourceaddresses. Examples of data identifying unsubscribe information includedigits and keywords, such as “unsubscribe”.

In block 304, if it is determined that the subscription message is not aconfirmation of a new electronic subscription, it is determined whetherthe subscription message contains subscription content (block 310). Forexample, electronic subscription message monitor 112 may determinewhether the subscription message contains subscription content.Exemplary subscription content may include news, music files, pictures,daily horoscopes, daily jokes, ring tones, television shows, movies, orany other digital media or data that may be obtained through asubscription. If it is determined that the subscription message does notcontain subscription content, the process may return to block 300.

If it is determined in block 310 that the subscription message containssubscription content, interaction monitor function 114 may monitor userinteraction with the subscription message (block 312). For example, theuser interaction may include the receipt of input into electronicsubscription client 108 for selecting the subscription message forviewing purposes. Referring to FIG. 3B, in block 314, interactionmonitor function 114 may determine the viewing frequency for theelectronic subscription. For example, the viewing frequency may be aratio of the number of received subscription messages acted upon by auser to the number of received subscription messages. In block 316,interaction monitor function 114 may determine whether the viewingfrequency meets predetermined tolerances. For example, interactionmonitor function 114 may determine whether the viewing frequency ratiomeets viewing frequency ratio tolerances. If it is determined that theviewing frequency ratio meets tolerances, the process may proceed toblock 300. Otherwise, if it is determined that the viewing frequencyratio does not meet tolerances, interaction monitor function 114 maynotify unsubscribe function 116 that the viewing frequency ratio for theelectronic subscription does not meet tolerances.

In block 318, unsubscribe function 116 may present a prompt with acontrol configured for unsubscribing the user from receiving a futuresubscription message associated with the electronic subscription. Forexample, electronic subscription client 108 may use a display fordisplaying a prompt with a control configured to unsubscribe fromreceiving a future subscription message associated with the electronicsubscription. In block 320, a response to the prompt is received fromthe user. The input may be to maintain the electronic subscription or tounsubscribe to the electronic subscription. In block 322, a subscriptionstatus in electronic subscription database 120 for the electronicsubscription may be updated based on the input. The subscription statusmay be set to subscribe or unsubscribe to the electronic subscription.The process may then return to block 300.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 400 for managingelectronic subscriptions according to the subject matter describedherein. Similar to system 100 shown in FIG. 1, system 400 includeselectronic subscription message source 102 configured to generatesubscription messages and communicate the subscription messages toelectronic subscription client 108 via network 110. Further, similar tosystem 100 shown in FIG. 1, electronic subscription client 108 includeselectronic subscription message monitor 112 configured to monitorreceipt of a subscription message associated with an electronicsubscription via network 110. Further, electronic subscription client108 shown in FIG. 4 includes unsubscribe function 116 and databases 118and 120 having functionality similar to the corresponding function anddatabases as described above.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include means for determiningwhether a received subscription message is redundant based on at leastone of an identifier for the subscription message or content included inthe subscription message. For example, electronic subscription client108 may include a subscription message redundancy monitor 402 configuredto monitor determined whether a received subscription message isredundant based on an identifier for the subscription message and/orcontent included in the subscription message. In one example, monitor402 may determine whether a received subscription message is redundantby determining whether redundancy exists between content of the receivedsubscription message and content of one or more messages associated withanother electronic subscription. In another example, monitor 402 maydetermine whether a received subscription message is redundant bydetermining whether redundancy exists between content of the receivedsubscription message and content of one or more messages associated withanother electronic subscription received previously, and may be limitedto messages received within a predetermined time period of receipt ofthe subscription message. In another example, monitor 402 may determinewhether a received subscription message is redundant by determiningwhether the received subscription message and one or morepreviously-received subscription messages have a threshold amount ofcommon content. Content can include the subject or body of a message.For example, an e-mail may be considered redundant if the subject lineof the e-mail matches (or nearly matches) a headline of a story, thename of a song/group/artist, the name of a concert/event, etc. Inanother example, monitor 402 may determine whether a receivedsubscription message is redundant based on an examination of anidentifier associated with the message and/or subscription. For example,monitor 402 may determine whether a received subscription message isredundant by determining whether one or more links, addresses, or URIsin the subscription message matches one or more links, addresses, URIs,or other content in one or more messages associated with anotherelectronic subscription. Rules for determining redundancy may be storedin a redundancy rules database 404. Further, monitor 402 may provideinformation about a redundancy determination for a received subscriptionmessage to unsubscribe function 116.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include means for presenting,based on a redundancy determination, a prompt with a control configuredfor unsubscribing a user from receiving a future subscription messageassociated with the electronic subscription. For example, unsubscribefunction 116 may be configured to present, based on a redundancydetermination, a prompt with a control configured for unsubscribing auser from receiving a future subscription message associated with theelectronic subscription, i.e., either subscription that is identified asredundant. In one example, unsubscribe function 116 may present a promptconfigured for unsubscribing a user based on the determined redundancycontents of the subscription message and one or more messages associatedwith another electronic subscription. In another example, unsubscribefunction 116 may present a prompt configured for unsubscribing a userfrom receiving a future subscription message associated with theelectronic subscriptions for which a subscription message was receivedor another electronic subscription having electronic subscriptionmessages with content that is redundant in comparison to the receivedsubscription message. A user of electronic subscription client 108 mayselect the prompt for operating the control to unsubscribe the user fromreceiving future subscription messages associated with the electronicsubscription. The control can be configured to implement one or moreunsubscribe actions stored in database 118 in response to selection ofthe prompt. Unsubscribe function 114 may be configured to unsubscribe auser from receiving future subscription messages associated with anelectronic subscription in response to receiving an input responsive toa prompt with a control for unsubscribing the user from receiving futuresubscription messages associated with the electronic subscription.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for managingelectronic subscriptions according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein. Referring to FIG. 5, in block 500 the processprovides for monitoring, at an electronic subscription client, receiptof a subscription message associated with an electronic subscription.For example, a process associated with system 100 may provide forelectronic subscription message monitor 112 to monitor receipt ofsubscription messages 104 and 106 at electronic subscription client 108.In block 502, it is determined whether the received subscription messageis redundant based on at least one of an identifier for the subscriptionmessage or content included in the subscription message. For example,subscription message redundancy monitor 402 may be configured todetermine whether the received subscription message is redundant basedon at least one of an identifier for the subscription message or contentincluded in the subscription message. In block 504, a prompt may bepresent, based on the redundancy determination, with a controlconfigured for unsubscribing a user from receiving a future subscriptionmessage associated with the electronic subscription. For example,unsubscribe function 116 may present a prompt with a control configuredto unsubscribe the user from receiving a future subscription messageassociated with the electronic subscription. A user may select orotherwise activate the prompt for unsubscribing from receiving thefuture subscription message.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process foruse by system 400 shown in FIG. 4 for managing electronic subscriptionsaccording to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. FIGS.6A and 6B illustrate in more detail the process illustrated in FIG. 5for managing electronic subscriptions based on redundancydeterminations. Referring to FIG. 6A, the process may start at block600. In block 602, electronic subscription message monitor 112 maydetermine whether a new subscription message has been received. If it isdetermined that a new subscription message has not been received, theprocess may return to block 600. Otherwise, if it is determined that anew subscription message has been received, it is determined whether apredetermined examination time period is in effect (block 604). Theexamination time period is a time period set within which it isdetermined whether there is redundancy between content of the newreceived subscription message and content of one or more messagesassociated with another electronic subscription. If it is determinedthat the examination time period is not in effect, electronicsubscription message monitor 112 may examine the delivery time of thenew subscription message and set an examination time period to start(block 606).

If it is determined that the examination time is in effect, subscriptionmessage redundancy monitor 402 compares links, addresses, and/or URIs ofthe received subscription message to other subscription messagesreceived within the same examination time period (block 608). The links,addresses, and/or URIs may be contained within a subscription message.In block 610, subscription message redundancy monitor 402 compares textor content of the received subscription message to the text or contentof other subscription messages received within the same examination timeperiod (block 610). Referring to FIG. 6B, in block 612, subscriptionmessage redundancy monitor 402 determines whether the receivedsubscription message is redundant in comparison to the othersubscription messages received within the same examination time period.The redundancy determination may be based on the comparisons performedin blocks 608 and 610. For example, subscription message redundancymonitor 402 may determine redundancy by determining whether the receivedsubscription message and one or more previously-received subscriptionmessages have a threshold amount of common content. In one example,monitor 402 may determine whether a received subscription message isredundant by determining whether one or more links, addresses, or URIsin the subscription message matches one or more links, addresses, orURIs in one or more messages associated with another electronicsubscription.

In block 614, subscription message redundancy monitor 402 determineswhether the received subscription message is redundant. If it isdetermined that the received subscription message is not redundant, theprocess proceeds to block 600. Otherwise, if it is determined that thereceived subscription message is redundant, subscription messageredundancy monitor 402 may notify the user of redundant subscriptionmessages. For example, monitor 402 may use a display of electronicsubscription client 108 for displaying a notification of redundancy forthe received subscription messages and one or more of the othersubscription messages used in the redundancy determination.

In block 618, subscription message redundancy monitor 402 may present aprompt with a control configured for unsubscribing the user fromreceiving a future subscription message associated with the electronicsubscription. For example, subscription message redundancy monitor 402may use a display for displaying a prompt with a control configured tounsubscribe from receiving a future subscription message associated withthe electronic subscription. In block 620, a response to the prompt isreceived from the user. The input may be to maintain the electronicsubscription or to unsubscribe to the electronic subscription one ormore of the other electronic subscriptions associated with the othersubscription messages used in the redundancy determination. In block622, a subscription status in electronic subscription database 120 forthe electronic subscription may be updated based on the input. Thesubscription status may be set to subscribe or unsubscribe to theelectronic subscriptions. The process may then return to block 600.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 700 for managingelectronic subscriptions according to the subject matter describedherein. Similar to system 100 shown in FIG. 1, system 700 includeselectronic subscription message source 102 configured to generatesubscription messages and communicate the subscription messages toelectronic subscription client 108 via network 110. Further, similar tosystem 100 shown in FIG. 1, electronic subscription client 108 includeselectronic subscription message monitor 112 configured to monitorreceipt of a subscription message associated with an electronicsubscription via network 110. Further, electronic subscription client108 shown in FIG. 7 includes electronic subscription database 120 havingfunctionality similar to the database as described above.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include means for saving asubscription identifier for an unsubscribed-from electronicsubscription. For example, electronic subscription message monitor 112may save a subscription identifier for an unsubscribed-from electronicsubscription. Exemplary subscription identifiers include a subscriptionsource identifier and subscription status information. Based on thesubscription identifier for the received subscription message, it may bedetermined that the subscription message is associated with anelectronic subscription that was previously unsubscribed-from.Electronic subscription database 120 may store subscription statusinformation indicating that an electronic subscription was previouslyunsubscribed-from. In one example, a subscription message including asubscription identifier may be a subscription message for subscribing tothe electronic subscription.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include means for receiving inputcorresponding to a subscription identifier for subscribing to theunsubscribed-from electronic subscription. For example, a subscriptionwatchdog function 702 may be configured to receive input correspondingto a subscription identifier for subscribing to the unsubscribed-fromelectronic subscription. In one example, a user of electronicsubscription client 108 may input data corresponding to a subscriptionidentifier for subscribing to the unsubscribed-from electronicsubscription.

Electronic subscription client 108 may include means for presenting anindication that the electronic subscription has been previouslyunsubscribed-from. For example, subscription watchdog function 702 maypresent an indication that the electronic subscription has beenpreviously unsubscribed-from. In one example, subscription watchdogfunction 702 may use a display for indicating that the electronicsubscription associated with a received subscription message has beenpreviously unsubscribed-from.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for managingelectronic subscriptions according to an embodiment of the subjectmatter described herein. Referring to FIG. 8, in block 800 the processprovides for saving, at an electronic subscription client, asubscription identifier for an unsubscribed-from electronicsubscription. For example, a process associated with system 700 mayprovide for electronic subscription message monitor 112 to save atdatabase 120 a subscription identifier for an unsubscribed-fromelectronic subscription. In block 802, input may be received thatcorresponds to the subscription identifier for subscribing to theunsubscribed-from electronic subscription. Further, in block 804, anindication may be presented that the electronic subscription has beenpreviously unsubscribed-from. Further, for example, a user of electronicsubscription client 108 may be provided a prompt with a controlconfigured to subscribe or not subscribe to the previouslyunsubscribed-from electronic subscription.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process foruse by system 700 shown in FIG. 7 for managing electronic subscriptionsaccording to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. Theprocess illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrates in more detail theprocess for managing electronic subscriptions based on previousunsubscription actions illustrated in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 9, theprocess may start at block 900. In block 902, electronic subscriptionmessage monitor 112 may determine whether a new subscription message hasbeen received. If it is determined that a new subscription message hasnot been received, the process may return to block 900. Otherwise, if itis determined that a new subscription message has been received, it isdetermined whether the received subscription message is a confirmationof a new subscription (block 904). If it is determined that the receivedsubscription message is not a confirmation of a new subscription, theprocess may return to block 900.

If it is determined that the received subscription message is aconfirmation of a new subscription, electronic subscription messagemonitor 112 may collect identifying data about the subscription source(block 906). The identifying data about the subscription source may becontained in the received subscription message. The identifying data maybe a subscription source identifier and/or subscription statusinformation. Subscription watchdog function 702 may compare theidentifying data about the subscription source to records in electronicsubscription database 120 (block 908). Referring to FIG. 9B, in block910, subscription watchdog function 702 may determine whether a recordin database 120 matches the identifying data about the subscriptionsource. If it is determined that a record does not match, the processcan proceed to block 900.

If it is determined that a record does match, subscription watchdogfunction 702 may determine whether the subscription status in thematching record indicates that the corresponding electronic subscriptionhas been previously unsubscribed-from (block 914). If it is determinedthat the corresponding electronic subscription has not been previouslyunsubscribed-from, the process can proceed to block 900. Otherwise, ifit is determined that the corresponding electronic subscription has beenpreviously unsubscribed-from, subscription watchdog function 702 maynotify the user of electronic subscription client 108 that theelectronic subscription associated with the received subscriptionmessage had been previously subscribed to and was subsequentlyunsubscribed-from (block 916).

Electronic subscriptions may be obtained by communicating a subscriptionrequest to an electronic subscription message source. For example, whenan e-mail client is utilized as an electronic subscription client, anelectronic subscription may be requested by completion of a web-basedform that collects a user's e-mail address and other pertinentinformation. In another example, when an RSS aggregator or apersonalized web browser is utilized as an electronic subscriptionclient, an electronic subscription may be requested by clicking on anRSS icon located within a web page of an electronic subscription source.

When an electronic subscription request is received, confirmation of theelectronic subscription may be provided to an electronic subscriptionclient. For example, an e-mail may be communicated by an electronicsubscription source to an electronic subscription client for confirmingthe subscription. In this example, the electronic subscription clientmay request a subscription via a web-based form. The following is anexample of e-mail message content for confirming a subscription.

-   -   Hi! This is the ezmlm program. I'm managing the        ms-secnews@securityfocus.com mailing list.    -   I'm working for my owner, who can be reached at        ms-secnews-owner@securityfocus.com.    -   Acknowledgment: I have added the address        john.q.public@somecompany.com    -   to the ms-secnews mailing list.    -   Welcome to ms-secnews@securityfocus.com!    -   Please save this message so that you know the address you are        subscribed under, in case you later want to unsubscribe or        change your subscription address.    -   To unsubscribe, send a message to:

<ms-secnews-unsubscribe-john.q.public=somecompany.com@securityfocus.com>

The above example was generated by a MajorDomo or LISTSERV program, asan example at URL: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/M/Majordomo.html.

FIG. 10 illustrates a computer screenshot displayed by a display of anRSS electronic client device of an exemplary RSS feed web page forsubscribing and unsubscribing to electronic subscriptions according toan embodiment of the subject matter described herein. Subscriptioncontent is posted to an RSS reader or a web page. In this example, auser has three subscriptions, generally designated 1000. The user mayselect an edit icon 1002 for editing a corresponding subscription.Further, the user may select an unsubscribe icon 1004 for unsubscribingfrom a corresponding subscription. Instructions for unsubscribing byselecting an unsubscribe icon corresponding to an electronicsubscription may be stored in an unsubscribe actions database, such asdatabase 118 shown in FIG. 1. An unsubscribe function 116 mayunsubscribe from an electronic subscription by accessing andimplementing instructions stored in database 118. The screenshot alsoincludes exemplary subscription message content 1006.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate computer screenshots displayed by a display of amedia player electronic client device of an exemplary media playerinterface for subscribing and unsubscribing to electronic subscriptionsaccording to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. FIGS.11-13 include an example of displaying subscribing to an iTunes PodCast,a subscription list, and an unsubscribe icon. Referring to FIG. 11, awindow 1100 includes a subscribe button 1102 for subscribing to aPodCast video provided by iTunes. Referring to FIG. 12, a list 1200 ofelectronic subscriptions is shown. Referring to FIG. 13, an unsubscribebutton 1300 is shown that may be selected for unsubscribing to acorresponding electronic subscription. Instructions for unsubscribing byselecting an unsubscribe icon corresponding to an electronicsubscription may be stored in an unsubscribe actions database, such asdatabase 118 shown in FIG. 1. An unsubscribe function 116 mayunsubscribe from an electronic subscription by accessing andimplementing instructions stored in database 118.

In one embodiment, an electronic subscription message monitor maymonitor all messages received by an electronic subscription client todetermine whether any of the messages are new subscription confirmationmessages. The electronic subscription message monitor may be adapted torecognize subscription confirmation messages for any type of electronicsubscription client. If the electronic subscription client is an e-mailapplication, the electronic subscription message monitor may recognize anew subscription confirmation message by text contained within an e-mailmessage. For example, the electronic subscription message monitor mayreview text of the subject line or body of an e-mail message for keywords, such as “subscribe,” “mailing list,” and “unsubscribe,” fordetermining that the message is a new subscription confirmation message.If the electronic subscription client is an RSS reader, the electronicsubscription message monitor may recognize a new subscriptionconfirmation message by determining that a URL has been added to areading list of the RSS reader or that the reading list has beenupdated. If the electronic subscription client is media player client,the electronic subscription message monitor may recognize a newsubscription confirmation message by determining that a new entry hasbeen added to a library of the media player client.

In one embodiment, a record of an electronic subscription may be createdand added to an electronic subscription database when a subscriptionconfirmation message is recognized. The record is created and added tothe database so that subscription messages can be monitored to see ifthey are associated with the electronic subscription. Table 1 belowshows exemplary records of an electronic subscription database accordingto the subject matter described herein.

TABLE 1 Electronic Subscription Database Msgs Msgs Acted InteractionSubscription Subscription Date Red'd Upon Viewing Rule Name SourceStatus Initialized (MR) (MAU) Frequency Name Microsoftms-secnews@security.focus.com Permanent May 23, 2006 1 0 N/A N/ASecurity Newsletter Linux linux-secnews@securityfocus.com Active Aug.02, 2004 50 45 90% Security Security Newsletter Securitysf-news@securityfocus.com Unsubscribed Dec. 22, 2005 23 10 43% SecurityFocus NewsletterIn Table 1, the subscription name field includes an identifier for anelectronic subscription to enable the coordination of actions taken formanaging electronic subscriptions. The source field may contain a URL ore-mail address associated with the electronic subscription messagesource. The subscribe status field may be set according to userdecisions about electronic subscriptions. For example, an electronicsubscription may be set to permanent, active, or unsubscribed. The dateinitialized field may contain the date that an electronic subscriptionwas initially confirmed and may be utilized for actions defined byunsubscribe rules described herein. The messages read (MR) field mayinclude a count of received message associated with an electronicsubscription after the initialization date. The messages acted upon(MAU) field may include a count of received messages acted upon by auser. For example, an MAU count may increase in the case of an e-mailsubscription message when a user reads or opens the e-mail subscriptionmessage. In another example, a MAU count may increase in the case of aPodcast when a user plays or views the Podcast. The viewing frequencyfield may contain a ratio of the MAU and the MR for the electronicsubscription. The MAU-to-MR ratio may be used to determine whether toprompt a user with a control configured to unsubscribe a user fromreceiving future messages associated with the electronic subscription.The interaction rule field may include a rule name selected for theelectronic subscription that is used to determine user interaction withthe subscription messages of the electronic subscription.

In one embodiment, an electronic subscription message monitor may notifyan unsubscribe function of a new electronic subscription and provideinformation about actions for unsubscribing to the electronicsubscription. The unsubscribe actions may be stored in an unsubscribeactions database. The unsubscribe actions in the database may beassociated with a subscription name so that the unsubscribe actions canbe retrieved when the unsubscribe function receives instructions forunsubscribing to the named electronic subscription. The unsubscribefunction may retrieve and implement instructions for unsubscribing fromthe unsubscribe actions database. Further, the unsubscribe function maydetermine actions needed for unsubscribing to an electronicsubscription. One exemplary unsubscribe action for an e-mailsubscription client includes sending an e-mail to an electronic messagesubscription source with an appropriate unsubscribe subject line.Another exemplary unsubscribe action for an e-mail subscription clientincludes opening a web link contained in a subscription confirmationmessage that removes the subscribers address from a subscription listwhen the HTML of the web link is loaded. One exemplary unsubscribeaction for an RSS subscription client includes deleting the source URLassociated with the electronic subscription from an RSS reading list.

Table 2 below shows exemplary records of an unsubscribe actions databaseaccording to the subject matter described herein.

TABLE 2 Unsubscribe Actions Database Unsubscribe Subscription NameAction Related Data Microsoft Security Send a reply Message 123 indrafts folder Newsletter unsubscribe e-mail Linux Security Delete URL<del> www.yoursub.com from Newsletter from client reading list SecurityFocus Execute https://unsubscribe.yoursub.org Newsletter web linkFor the electronic subscription named Microsoft Security Newsletter, theelectronic subscription can be unsubscribed from by sending a reply toan unsubscribe e-mail. For example, the e-mail message identified asMessage 123 in the drafts folder may be sent for unsubscribing to theelectronic subscription. For the electronic subscription named LinuxSecurity Newsletter, the URL associated with the associated reading listmay be deleted to unsubscribe. For example, the URL www.yoursub.com maybe deleted from the reading list. For the electronic subscription namedSecurity Focus Newsletter, the web link https://unsubscribe.yoursub.orgmay be executed for unsubscribing from the electronic subscription.

In one embodiment, an electronic subscription message monitor maydetermine whether a received message contains subscription-relatedcontent or that the message is a subscription message. In one example,the monitor may determine that the received message containssubscription-related content or that the message is a subscriptionmessage by comparing a source address for the message to sourceaddresses stored in an electronic subscription database. If a record isfound with a matching source address, the monitor may determine that thereceived message contains subscription-related content or that themessage is a subscription message.

In one embodiment, a viewing frequency of received subscription messagesassociated with an electronic subscription may be based on a ratio of anumber of subscription messages acted upon by a user to a number ofreceived subscription messages. An electronic subscription database maymaintain counts of the numbers of subscription messages acted upon by auser and the numbers of received subscription messages for eachelectronic subscription. In one example, when an electronic subscriptionmessage monitor determines that a newly received message is associatedwith an electronic subscription, an interaction monitor function may benotified to start monitoring the subscription message in relation to thesubscription. The interaction monitor function may determine whether asubscription message is acted upon by a user. For example, theinteraction monitor function may determine whether the subscriptionmessage has been opened or not opened. In some instances, if aninteraction monitor function is not integrated with an electronicsubscription client, the interaction monitor function may suitablyinterface with the electronic subscription client to determine userinteraction with subscription messages.

In one embodiment, an interaction monitor function may apply one or moreinteraction rules for determining interaction of a user with a receivedsubscription message. One exemplary interaction rule includes monitoringreading of an e-mail subscription message to determine whether the userreads or opens the e-mail subscription message. In this example, if theuser reads or opens the e-mail subscription message, the user hasinteracted with the subscription message. Another exemplary interactionrule includes monitoring viewing of a video file received in asubscription message to determine whether the user views the video file.In this example, if the user views the video file, the user hasinteracted with the subscription message. Interaction rules may be setto default levels or customized per electronic subscription orelectronic subscription type. Further, the interaction rules may besuitably configured based upon a volume of subscription messages beingreceived.

Table 3 below shows an exemplary interaction rule record according tothe subject matter described herein.

TABLE 3 Interaction Rule Record Interaction Message Clipping Rule NameTimer Level Default 7 days <50% Security 30 days <75% World News 1 day<65%In Table 3, the interaction rule name field contains a name of the rulethat can be applied to a particular electronic subscription. Messagetimer field contains an indication of a time period that an interactionmonitor function should wait before determining a viewing frequencybased on when a new subscription message arrived. The clipping levelfield indicates a viewing frequency percentage tolerance level that canbe used for determining whether a user should be prompted with a controlconfigured to unsubscribe the user from receiving future subscriptionmessages associated with the electronic subscription. Interaction rulesmay also include grace periods or delay timers to allow for subscriptionmessages to be received for a longer period of time than in aninteraction rule before determining a viewing frequency for anelectronic subscription.

In one embodiment, an unsubscribe function may control presentation of aprompt with a control configured for unsubscribing a user from receivinga future subscription message associated with an electronicsubscription. For example, the prompt may be displayed using a displayof the electronic subscription client. The following is an exemplarynotification to a user that an unsubscribe action may be taken for anelectronic subscription.

The following subscription does not meet the viewing frequencytolerances, would you like to unsubscribe from it? Subscription NameUnsubscribe (Check Box) Microsoft Security □ NewsletterThe notification may be presented when interaction monitor functiondetermines that the viewing frequency associated with the subscriptionis below a clipping level for the subscription. A user can inputinstructions for unsubscribing by selecting the unsubscribe boxdisplayed in the prompt. Once unsubscribe instructions are input, theunsubscribe function may implement unsubscribe actions for unsubscribingthe electronic subscription client from the subscription. Further, asubscription status field for the subscription in the electronicsubscription database may be updated to indicate that the status isunsubscribed.

In one embodiment, a subscription message redundancy monitor may benotified by electronic subscription monitor when a subscription messageis received having new content. The subscription message redundancymonitor may be configured to determine whether a received subscriptionmessage have a predetermined amount of content common to other receivedsubscription messages for other electronic subscriptions. As statedabove, subscription message redundancy may determine whether anexamination period is in effect. The examination period may define atime period within which the subscription message redundancy monitorexamines messages for redundancy. For example, if an examination periodis set for 4 hours and not subscription messages are received within the4-hour examination period, the subscription message redundancy monitorwill not determine redundancy for the messages. An exemplary messagingscenario having a 4-hour examination period follows:

-   -   1. A subscription message is received at 8:00 a.m.    -   2. An examination period is set for 4 hours. Therefore, the        examination period will expire at 12:00 p.m.    -   3. All subscription messages received between 8:00 a.m. and        12:00 p.m. will be compared to one another for redundancy.    -   4. At 12:00 p.m., the active examination period expires. None of        the subscription messages received after 12:00 p.m. will be        compared to the subscription messages received prior to 12:00        p.m.    -   5. A subscription message is received at 12:30 p.m.    -   6. A new examination period is set for 4 hours. Therefore, the        examination period will expire at 4:30 p.m.        In an alternative embodiment, an examination time period may be        set for monitoring newly received subscription messages and for        comparing the messages to other subscription messages received        within a previous time period equal to the examination time        period.

In one embodiment using an examination time period, new subscriptionmessages may be received and similarity equations (SEs) may be appliedto each subscription message received during the examination timeperiod. Similarity equations are used to determine the amount of contentthat messages must have in common to be identified as redundant. Anexemplary messaging scenario using similarity equations follows:

-   -   1. Receive a first subscription message within the examination        time period.    -   2. Receive a second subscription message within the examination        time period.    -   3. Compare the second subscription message to the first        subscription message for a redundancy determination.    -   4. Receive a third subscription message within the examination        time period.    -   5. Compare the third subscription message to the first and        second subscription messages for a redundancy determination.

In one example, a similarity comparison can include a content comparisonof subscription messages. For example, a difference function can beexecuted on the text contained in a set of subscription messages. Thedifference return value may be set as a similarity value. For example,if the number of lines of text in the subscription messages withdifferences is 5, the subscription messages may be determined to containsubstantially the same content.

In another example, a similarity comparison can include a comparison oflinks contained in subscription messages. For example, web links (e.g.,URLs) with subscription messages may be compared. If it is determinedthat all of the web links are identical, the subscription messages maybe considered to be redundant. The similarity value may be set as thepercentage of links that are identical. For example, if 90% of the URLscontained in the body of two or more subscription messages areidentical, the subscription messages may be considered to contain thesubstantially the same content.

A subscription message redundancy monitor may apply redundancy rules forevaluating results generated by similarity equations. For example,redundancy rules may define tolerance levels for determining whethersubscription messages are redundant. In the above example of the numberof lines of text with differences being 5, redundancy rules may beapplied that compare the number 5 to a threshold level number of textlines. In this example, the subscription messages may be determined tobe redundant if the number of text lines with differences is less than apredetermined number 8. Thus, in this example, the subscription messagesare considered redundant. In the above example of 90% of the URLscontained in the body of subscription messages being identical, it maybe determined that the subscription messages are redundant based on acomparison of 90% to a threshold level percentage. In this example, ifthe 90% is greater than the threshold level percentage, the subscriptionmessages are considered redundant.

Table 4 below shows exemplary entries of a content rules databaseaccording to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein.

TABLE 4 Content Rules Database Rule Name Value Examination Time Period 4hours Link Comparison 95% Full Text Comparison Less than 8 linesdifferentIn one example, the examination time period is four hours. In thisexample, the examination time period is the time period set formonitoring newly received subscription messages and for comparing themessages to other subscription messages received within a previous timeperiod equal to the examination time period. In another example, thelink comparison is the percentage links that must be identical insubscription messages for determining that the subscription messages areredundant. In this example, the percentage is 95%. In another example,the full text comparison is the number of lines in subscription messagesthat must be different for determining that the subscription messagesare redundant. In this example, less than 8 lines in subscriptionmessages must be different for determining that the subscriptionmessages are redundant.

In one embodiment, a subscription name associated with an electronicsubscription may be presented to a user in a prompt for indicating thata subscription message associated with the electronic subscription. Forexample, if a subscription message redundancy monitor determines that asubscription message is redundant, a subscription name associated withthe subscription message may be displayed. For example, the subscriptionname column in Table 2 above includes a listing of exemplarysubscription names that may be displayed to a user. In one example, thesubscription name may be presented in a pop-up message, such as in apop-up window. The subscription name may also be associated with an iconor button that may be selected by a user for unsubscribing to theelectronic subscription. In another example, information regardingredundancy may be presented to a user via an e-mail message, SMSmessage, and/or other suitable type of electronic message.

In one embodiment, a user may be allowed to select one or moreelectronic subscriptions to unsubscribe from if subscription messages ofthe electronic subscriptions are determined to be redundant. Thefollowing is an exemplary pop-up notification message to a user thatelectronic subscription messages include redundant information.

The following subscriptions contain much of the same information. Wouldyou like to unsubscribe from one of them? Subscription Name Unsubscribe(Check One) Microsoft Security □ Newsletter Security Focus □ NewsletterA user may select one of the unsubscribe boxes for unsubscribing to thecorresponding electronic subscription. After selection of one of theunsubscribe boxes, a message may be sent to an electronic messagesubscription source for unsubscribing the associated electronicsubscription client. Further, the subscribe status for the electronicsubscription can be set to unsubscribe.

In one embodiment, an electronic subscription client may be separatefrom an electronic subscription message monitor, an interaction monitorfunction, an unsubscribe function, and an electronic subscriptiondatabase. The electronic subscription message monitor, the interactionmonitor function, the unsubscribe function, and the electronicsubscription database may be contained within an electronic subscriptionmanager. The separation of the electronic subscription client may beadvantageous, for example, for providing the services of the electronicsubscription manager to a plurality of electronic subscription clientson a single electronic device. Another exemplary advantage is that theelectronic subscription manager may be deployed on a standard operatingsystem. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 1400 formanaging electronic subscriptions according to the subject matterdescribed herein. System 1400 includes an electronic device 1402including an electronic subscription client 1404 that is separate froman electronic subscription manager 1406. Electronic subscription manager1406 may include electronic subscription message monitor 112,interaction monitor function 114, unsubscribe function 116, unsubscribeactions database 118, and electronic subscription database 120, each ofwhich may include functionality as described herein. The samecommunications as described herein may occur between electronicsubscription client 1404 and the components of subscription manager1406. An application program interface (API) may manage interoperabilitybetween electronic subscription client 1404 and electronic subscriptionmanager 1406.

In one embodiment, a user can be prompted to confirm that a subscriptionmessage is a confirmation of a new electronic subscription. FIG. 15 is aflow chart illustrating an exemplary process for use by system 100 shownin FIG. 1 for confirmation by a user of a new electronic subscriptionaccording to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. Theprocess of FIG. 15 includes blocks 300, 302, 304, 306, 308, and 310, 312similar to the same blocks of FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this example, theprocess may proceed to process blocks similar to those shown in FIG. 3Aafter implementing the process at block 312.

The FIG. 15 process includes blocks 1500 and 1502. In block 304, ifelectronic subscription message monitor 112 determines that asubscription message is a confirmation of a new electronic subscription,the new electronic subscription may be confirmed with the user (block1400). For example, a prompt may be presented to the user for confirmingthe new electronic subscription.

In block 1502, electronic subscription message monitor 112 may determinewhether the user confirms the new electronic subscription. For example,monitor 112 may detect input by the user for confirming the newelectronic subscription. If it is determined that the user confirms thenew electronic subscription, the process may proceed to block 306.Otherwise, if is determined that the user does not confirm the newelectronic subscription, the process may proceed to block 300. Thus,block 1500 and 1502 provided for the confirmation of a new electronicsubscription by a user.

In one embodiment, a user may identify a confirmation subscriptionmessage or subscription message content for an electronic subscriptionmessage monitor. In one example, a user may use a mouse for rightclicking on an e-mail message. In response to the right click, a menumay be presented on a display including an item that may be selected foridentifying the subscription message as being associated with anelectronic subscription. Alternatively, a menu item may be selected foridentifying a message as confirmation of an electronic subscription.Further, a user may identify content in a message for identifying themessage as being associated with an electronic subscription. Theidentified content may be a keyword or text. The electronic subscriptionmessage monitor may be configured for recognizing the identified keywordor text for use in identifying other subscription messages associatedwith the electronic subscription.

In one embodiment, only grouped subscription messages may be compared toone another for determining redundancy. A user may configure asubscription message redundancy monitor to select only subscriptionmessages meeting user defined criteria for a redundancy determination.In one example, subscription messages may be grouped together accordingto a group identifier. Exemplary group identifiers include informationtechnology (IT) security, sports, and news

FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process for use bysystem 400 shown in FIG. 4 for grouping subscription messages todetermine redundancy according to an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein. The process of FIG. 16 includes blocks 300, 302, 304,306, 308, and 310, 312 similar to the same blocks of FIGS. 3A and 3B. Inthis example, the process may proceed to process block similar to thoseshown in FIG. 3B after implementing the process at block 312.

The FIG. 16 process also includes blocks 1600 and 1602. In block 1600,electronic subscription message monitor 112 may determine whether thenew subscription message should be assigned a group identifier. In oneexample, a user may configure monitor 112 to provide a prompt for theuser to input a group identifier for new subscription messages. Further,in one example, monitor 112 may be configured to determine whether thenew subscription message includes a group identifier defined by theuser. If it is determined that the new subscription message should beassigned a group identifier, monitor 112 may prompt the user for a groupidentifier for the new subscription message. In one example, the usermay input a group identifier for the new subscription message afterexamining the message. The group identifier may be stored in electronicsubscription database 120. Subscription messages may only be compared toother subscription messages in the same group for the purpose ofdetermining redundancy.

A record in an electronic subscription database may include a groupidentifier for grouping subscription messages for redundancydeterminations. Table 5 below shows exemplary records of an electronicsubscription database according to the subject matter described herein.

TABLE 5 Electronic Subscription Database Subscription Group SubscriptionUnique Date Viewing Name ID Source Status Identifier Initialized MR MAUFrequency Microsoft 2 ms-secnews@security.focus.com Active MS May 23,2006 1 0 N/A Security Security Newsletter Newsletter Linux 2linux-secnews@securityfocus.com Active Linux Aug. 02, 2004 50 45  90%Security Security Newsletter Newsletter ESPN 1 espnnews@espn.com ActiveESPN Dec. 22, 2005 23 23 100% newsIn Table 5, the ESPN® sports news subscription is the only member ofgroup identifier 1. Subscription messages from the ESPN subscription maybe associated with group identifier 1 by including the phrase “ESPNnews”. Further, the Microsoft Security Newsletter and Linux SecurityNewsletter subscriptions are grouped together by group identifier 2.Subscription messages from the MICROSOFT® Security Newsletter and LinuxSecurity Newsletter subscriptions may be associated with groupidentifier 2 by including the phrases “MS Security Newsletter” and“Linux Security Newsletter,” respectively.

In one embodiment, an unsubscribe function may prompt a user toprescribe an unsubscribe action. The user may be prompted if theunsubscribe function cannot determine an unsubscribe actionautonomously. FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary processfor use by system 100 shown in FIG. 1 for prompting a user to prescribean unsubscribe action according to an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein. Referring to block 1700, unsubscribe function 116 maydetermine whether it can identify an unsubscribe action forunsubscribing from an electronic subscription. If unsubscribe function116 can identify an unsubscribe action, the process may proceed to block308. Otherwise, if unsubscribe function 116 cannot identify anunsubscribe action, unsubscribe function 116 may prompt the user toprescribe an unsubscribe action (block 1702). In response to the prompt,the user may enter an unsubscribe action. Unsubscribe function 116 maystore the unsubscribe action in unsubscribe actions database 118 andassociate it with the electronic subscription.

In one embodiment, an unsubscribe function may present unsubscribenotification and steps for an unsubscribe action if unsubscribe actionscannot be generated by the unsubscribe function or a user, orunsubscribe actions are not stored. The user may manually implement thepresented unsubscribe actions for unsubscribing to an electronicsubscription. FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary processfor use by system 100 shown in FIG. 1 for presenting unsubscribe actionsteps to a user according to an embodiment of the subject matterdescribed herein. Referring to block 1800, unsubscribe function 116 maydetermine whether unsubscribe is automated. If it is determined thatunsubscribe is not automated, the process may proceed to block 318.Otherwise, if it is determined that unsubscribe is not automated,unsubscribe function 116 may present unsubscribe notification and stepsfor an unsubscribe action (block 1802). The user may implement theunsubscribe action steps for unsubscribing from the electronicsubscription.

In one embodiment, an unsubscribe function may provide for a user toconfirm unsubscribe and to reset monitoring. FIG. 19 is a flow chartillustrating an exemplary process for use by system 100 shown in FIG. 1for confirming unsubscribing to an electronic subscription and forresetting monitoring of the electronic subscription according to anembodiment of the subject matter described herein. Referring to block1900, unsubscribe function 116 may receive user input for confirming anunsubscribe action for an electronic subscription. If the user input isto unsubscribe, unsubscribe function 116 may implement unsubscribeactions for unsubscribing from the electronic subscription (block 1902).If the user input is not to unsubscribe, unsubscribe function 116 mayprompt a user about whether to reset subscription monitoring (block1904). If it is determined that reset is confirmed (block 1906), theprocess may proceed to block 300. Otherwise, if it is determined thatreset is not confirmed, the user may be prompted to set the subscribestatus (block 1908). Unsubscribe function 116 may receive the subscribestatus indicated by user input and set the subscribe status for theelectronic subscription. Next, the process may proceed to block 322.

It will be understood that various details of the subject matterdescribed herein may be changed without departing from the scope of thesubject matter described herein. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptionis for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose oflimitation, as the subject matter described herein is defined by theclaims as set forth hereinafter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for managing electronic subscriptions,the method comprising: saving, at an electronic subscription client, asubscription identifier for an unsubscribed-from electronicsubscription; receiving input corresponding to the subscriptionidentifier for subscribing to the unsubscribed-from electronicsubscription; and presenting an indication that the electronicsubscription has been previously unsubscribed-from.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein saving a subscription identifier includes saving asubscription identifier at an electronic subscription client comprisingone of an e-mail client, a real simple syndication (RSS)-based client, amedia-based client, a photoshare client, and a personalized web pagesubscription client.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein saving asubscription identifier includes saving a subscription identifiercomprising one of a subscription source identifier and subscriptionstatus information for the unsubscribed-from electronic subscription. 4.The method of claim 1 wherein receiving input corresponding to thesubscription identifier includes receiving a subscription message forsubscribing to the electronic subscription.
 5. The method of claim 1wherein receiving input corresponding to the subscription identifierincludes receiving user input for subscribing to the electronicsubscription.
 6. A system for managing electronic subscriptions, thesystem comprising: an electronic subscription message monitor configuredto save, at an electronic subscription client, a subscription identifierfor an unsubscribed-from electronic subscription; and a subscriptionwatchdog function configured to receive input corresponding to thesubscription identifier for subscribing to the unsubscribed-fromelectronic subscription, and configured to present an indication thatthe electronic subscription has been previously unsubscribed-from. 7.The system of claim 6 wherein the electronic subscription messagemonitor is configured to save a subscription identifier at an electronicsubscription client comprising one of an e-mail client, a real simplesyndication (RSS)-based client, a media-based client, a photoshareclient, and a personalized web page subscription client.
 8. The systemof claim 6 wherein the electronic subscription message monitor isconfigured to save a subscription identifier comprising one of asubscription source identifier and subscription status information forthe unsubscribed-from electronic subscription.
 9. The system of claim 6wherein the subscription watchdog function is configured to receive asubscription message for subscribing to the electronic subscription. 10.The system of claim 6 wherein the subscription watchdog function isconfigured to receive user input for subscribing to the electronicsubscription.
 11. A system for managing electronic subscriptions, thesystem comprising: means for saving, at an electronic subscriptionclient, a subscription identifier for an unsubscribed-from electronicsubscription; means for receiving input corresponding to thesubscription identifier for subscribing to the unsubscribed-fromelectronic subscription; and means for presenting an indication that theelectronic subscription has been previously unsubscribed-from.
 12. Acomputer program product comprising computer executable instructionsembodied in a computer readable medium for performing steps comprising:saving, at an electronic subscription client, a subscription identifierfor an unsubscribed-from electronic subscription; receiving inputcorresponding to the subscription identifier for subscribing to theunsubscribed-from electronic subscription; and presenting an indicationthat the electronic subscription has been previously unsubscribed-from.